Engine/Transmission (1994 - 1998) Oil Change Woes Part 2

[6shotz]

It took me a few days to get back on the computer but here is the update... by touching the 2 posts on the back of the alternator for a micro-second while doing an oil change the problem was I toasted the PCM. Had to order another one from Dodge cost me 380$ plugged it in, checked it for codes and then VIN# is programmed into it and now everything is fine. Iknow this is very unusual, from what I've heard most times when this happens the alt. fuse in the Power Distribution Center blows, exchange it and your good to go. So a word of caution to all.....

DON'T LET ANYTHING METAL TOUCH THE BACK

OF YOUR ALTERNATOR TO CAUSE ARCHING!!!





Steve

 

[PUMPERDUDE]

Thanks for the heads up. Dont you just hate it when a simple little job snoballs into something like this. Glad you got it fixed.

 

[grtescpa]

Originally posted by 6shotz

It took me a few days to get back on the computer but here is the update... by touching the 2 posts on the back of the alternator for a micro-second while doing an oil change the problem was I toasted the PCM. Had to order another one from Dodge cost me 380$ plugged it in, checked it for codes and then VIN# is programmed into it and now everything is fine. Iknow this is very unusual, from what I've heard most times when this happens the alt. fuse in the Power Distribution Center blows, exchange it and your good to go. So a word of caution to all.....

DON'T LET ANYTHING METAL TOUCH THE BACK

OF YOUR ALTERNATOR TO CAUSE ARCHING!!!





Steve

What is the PCM ? (I hate abreviations)

 

[HeberRam]

It's PDC... . Power distribution center. . Large box on the drivers side engine compartment where all the "large" fuses are located... The ECM is the electronic contol module located next to fuel filter. . The PCM I believe is the Power Control Module on pre-24v engines???

Steve

 

[gitchesum]

Steve(HeberRam),

I think Steve(6 shotz) is referring to the Powertrain Control Module in his truck. I remeber he had checked all the fuses in the PDC and they were fine.



I also hate it when small jobs turn into HUGE(and expensive) ones. Glad to you it on the road. I would definately get something to cover thos connections on the back of the alternator.

 

[dremelts]

Can't believe I did it too

On my way home from work Friday the "Check Gages" light came on. The voltmeter showed that the batteries were down to about 10 volts.



Fortunately, it did not fry my ECM, or PCM or whatever, but I did have to replace the alternator. I had changed my oil the nite before and because I had just read this thread I was super careful to not touch the alternator with the oil filter. But it just seems like too much of a coincidence so maybe I did touch it???



But to make it worse - none of the parts stores that were open Saturday morning had any cross-reference for the 136 Amp alternator so I had to put a 120 amp in. We're leaving tomorrow on a camping trip so we'll see what happens when we break camp next Monday and plug in the trailer with its partially discharged dual 6 volt batteries.

 

[6shotz]

Dave,



While I was changing the oil I used my belt as a strap wrench, out of desperation and that stubborn filter came off in a snap. Give it a try next time your changing your oil



Steve

 

[DSutton]

To loosen my oil filter I take a flat tip screwdriver and tap it with a small hammer to make a notch in the top of the filter. Then I just tap it loose, and remove it by hand.



I will however, be covering the alternater completely in the future to avoid any problems similar to those described.